Who would be your health care advocate?

ThinkStock ImagesDesignate a health care advocate before you need one.

Imagine you suffer chest pains and are swept off to the hospital emergency room. The pain medicines leave you too groggy to make good decisions.

Or, difficult symptoms result in a diagnosis that leaves you stunned. You leave the doctor's office remembering very little of what you've been told.

Or, you've begun to find it confusing to keep track of all your medications. You're concerned you'll make a mistake. Your loved ones live too far away to be much help.

What will you do?

These are just a few of many scenarios that require us to find some assistance to be sure we get the best health care and stay safe. These are the times that call for a patient advocate, someone who can help us understand our medical status, sort through options, support our decision-making, sit by the bedside in the hospital, or take care of overwhelming details ranging from making appointments to reviewing medical bills.

So who can fill that role?

Some of us are lucky enough to have a family member who can advocate for us, a spouse, parent or adult child who can remove some of the pressure, allowing us to focus on healing. Unless you think emotions will interfere with their capabilities or objectivity, a family advocate might be a good choice.

Maybe you have a friend who has a medical background, or is willing to stick up for you and your medical needs. Or, your pastor, rabbi, neighbor or co-worker may know of someone who can help.

In the past few years, we've seen a rise in the numbers of professional, private patient advocates. Some of them have nursing or other medical backgrounds. They may accompany you to medical appointments, or sit by your side in the hospital. Others are experts in researching treatment options, or getting permission from insurers for procedures that have been denied.

Professional patient advocates work for, and are paid directly by the patient or a caregiver. Insurance won't cover their services, but for those who can afford one, their assistance can be priceless.

This holiday season you'll probably spend time with family. It's a great time to raise the question about who will be available to advocate on your behalf when necessary. A family member? A neighbor? Or a professional patient advocate?

The conversation will help you count your blessings, and bring you peace of mind.